The activity at the volcano remained at a low level overnight, with only two volcano-tectonic earthquakes recorded. Unfortunately, the current low level of activity does not make the situation at the volcano any less serious. If the Galway's Wall or the dome collapse, there is a serious risk of lateral blasts that could cause pyroclastic flows and surges in any direction around the volcano. Such an event could occur at any time with no warning. The revised risk map is still in operation, and zone A/B is extremely dangerous. We urge that nobody should be in this area today. Zone E remains safe at this time, and the airport is open.
The level of seismic activity has been low overnight. There were two volcano-tectonic earthquakes, one located beneath the crater and the other near Windy Hill. No landslides from the Galway's Wall were detected by the seismic system overnight. The landslides tend to be more common during the VT earthquake swarms.
The crater area is quite clear this morning, and so a trip to Chances Peak is now under way. The helicopter will land at the summit, and a brief expedition will be made to measure the cracks to the southeast of the peak.